Private Communities

Also referred to as gated communities, some private communities have gates, security guards or both. In these communities, only residents and approved guests may enter.

Other private developments allow public access, though certain restrictions may apply.

Most private communities have a property owners association, or POA.

The association, usually run by an elected board of directors, sets policy and establishes rules within the development. These rules and policies can be controversial at times, especially when they mandate how a homeowner must care for or maintain his or her personal property.

POAs and/or the board of directors usually meet once per month. Those meetings are generally only open to homeowners in the community who have paid their dues.

Yes. One of the main features of private communities is the fact that property owners must pay dues to help maintain the development.

These dues can be several hundred dollars per year in some cases.

The development and its POA are responsible for maintaining the roads, including plowing and cindering, in private communities.

This can pose a problem during the dark days of winter for residents who live in the far reaches of a development, especially in the many private communities in the Pocono Plateau.